Mardi Gras 2 Oct - live(ish) impressions!

[Virga]

Pre-plague, we cruised frequently, but without any particular loyalty - we choose based on what we can fit into our schedule.  Lots and lots of short Florida cruises, so we hardly ever get to try out the latest and greatest.  When life gave us the chance to take a week on Carnival's newest ship, we jumped on it.  Some friends thought the price was too good to pass up, and six of us boarded yesterday.

 

Boarding was pretty awful - we like being the first or last group, but our carpool mates don't do early and we wanted to maximize our time on the ship, so we planned for noon.  Terrible timing!  We lined up outside for about an hour, inside for another half an hour - I cannot imagine how bad this will be when they are sailing full.  All good, though, everyone's rooms were ready immediately, food was still being served, and we had drinks in our hands within minutes of boarding.  Including at muster - the new 'check in and watch the flight attendant' routine is fantastic!

 

We were prepared for a smaller room, but the puzzle piece design is well implemented - no complaints.  Our oversized deck 10 balcony is lovely, though they don't include loungers.  It's pretty hot so I don't really mind much, but I hope they 'fix' that long term.  

 

The food options are sheer insanity - I'll end up mentioning them all as we try them out.  Street eats had chili cheese curly fries, steamed pork buns, and some formed Turkish kebabs.  The kebabs were good but tasted a little Mexican, bao was great, and we skipped the fries in favor of a tiny helping of most of the buffet options.  Whoever complains about the buffet choices must be much more spoiled than we are, we were suitably impressed!  The schwarma was especially delicious!

 

MDR was also good, though the brisket was tougher than it should have been.  No worries, we'll try it at the smokehouse!  Service has been uniformly excellent -  restaurants, bars, and stateroom.  Everyone onboard is thrilled to be here, staff included.  

 

More to come!  We slept in today, grabbed some spiked coffee and sandwiches from Java - all very good, worth the bit of a line.  Sea days are favorites of ours, nothing to do but eat, drink, and not worry about a darn thing

[IntrepidFromDC]

Yay another Mardi Gras live review!  Nice first post!

[Virga]

The adventure continues!  

 

The featured song of the day is brought to you by the Turnpike Troubadours - "I'm too old to be this dumb!"

 

 

I sent hubs to get some coffee and he returned with a light breakfast and our first two drinks - he'd forgotten my card and they still let him get mine.  We enjoyed them on the balcony in the robes our steward kindly brought us yesterday.   Slightly cloudy, with the sun on the port side of the ship - perfect for my ghostly skin!   

 

Once I'd convinced myself I could face other humans, we ventured out.  We found our Brass Magnolia bartender at the tiki bar, got a few drinks, and left to explore the ship.

 

Man, this ship is enormous!  I was pretty intimidated yesterday, not sure how I felt about the sheer size of it, but now that I have my bearings, I'm sold.  I love the themed neighborhoods - they aren't in your face Disney/Universal style, but they break up the enormity very well.  

 

We had what I've been calling Mongolian-Wok-Lite for lunch.  I was disappointed that Chibang doesn't take the beautiful opportunity to serve fusion dishes, and I don't think we'll bother to do dinner there, but we'll see.  Lunch was great, though - that mix of all three sauces is just as good as I remember!  We got the rice noodles, but a nearby table got the wide noodles and they looked great as well.  It took longer than it should have, but we still had drinks we'd brought in from elsewhere so we didn't mind the wait.  We'll do it again for sure, but might bring two drinks, lol.

 

 

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

[mexicobob]

Sounds like you are having a good time. Please keep us posted.

[SNJCruisers]

2 hours ago, Virga said:

 

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

How did you get your invitation to the private "speakeasy"?

[mondello]

6 hours ago, Virga said:

The adventure continues!  

 

3 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

How did you get your invitation to the private "speakeasy"?

 We found our Brass Magnolia bartender at the tiki bar, got a few drinks, and left to explore the ship.

 

 

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

Everything clicked and they found their new, favorite, personal bartender at the Brass Magnolia. Got hooked up with special service at the tiki bar and obviously an invite to the speakeasy was forthcoming.

[mondello]

@Virga, I thought robes were always in the closet. Surprised  you had to ask for them. We're not Platinum but I think they always gave robes and slippers?

[stellarose]

so I should be prepared for crazy embarkation.  so big ship, lots of food.

 

crowded???

 

have fun.

[firefly333]

4 hours ago, mondello said:

@Virga, I thought robes were always in the closet. Surprised  you had to ask for them. We're not Platinum but I think they always gave robes and slippers?

I've never seen slippers on carnival. I read spa cabins have them.

 

Now that I read this I didnt see robes in my closet a few weeks ago. I guess ask if you want them. 

[princess76021]

Thank you for doing this!!

Hugs

[mondello]

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

I've never seen slippers on carnival. I read spa cabins have them.

 

Now that I read this I didnt see robes in my closet a few weeks ago. I guess ask if you want them. 

Just less they have to launder if most don't ask or use them. I thought the robes were in the closet but I never used them. The slippers my wife enjoyed but that may have been at our hotels that I'm thinking of.

[stellarose]

spa cabins get slippers too.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

12 hours ago, Virga said:

The adventure continues!  

 

The featured song of the day is brought to you by the Turnpike Troubadours - "I'm too old to be this dumb!"

 

 

I sent hubs to get some coffee and he returned with a light breakfast and our first two drinks - he'd forgotten my card and they still let him get mine.  We enjoyed them on the balcony in the robes our steward kindly brought us yesterday.   Slightly cloudy, with the sun on the port side of the ship - perfect for my ghostly skin!   

 

Once I'd convinced myself I could face other humans, we ventured out.  We found our Brass Magnolia bartender at the tiki bar, got a few drinks, and left to explore the ship.

 

Man, this ship is enormous!  I was pretty intimidated yesterday, not sure how I felt about the sheer size of it, but now that I have my bearings, I'm sold.  I love the themed neighborhoods - they aren't in your face Disney/Universal style, but they break up the enormity very well.  

 

We had what I've been calling Mongolian-Wok-Lite for lunch.  I was disappointed that Chibang doesn't take the beautiful opportunity to serve fusion dishes, and I don't think we'll bother to do dinner there, but we'll see.  Lunch was great, though - that mix of all three sauces is just as good as I remember!  We got the rice noodles, but a nearby table got the wide noodles and they looked great as well.  It took longer than it should have, but we still had drinks we'd brought in from elsewhere so we didn't mind the wait.  We'll do it again for sure, but might bring two drinks, lol.

 

 

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

Do they still have the Mongolian wok in at the buffet? What location was the one you called the Mongolian wok? Is it available in the evening for dinner?

[kwokpot]

10 minutes ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Do they still have the Mongolian wok in at the buffet? What location was the one you called the Mongolian wok? Is it available in the evening for dinner?

On the Mardi Gras Mongolian Wok is NOT in the buffet, rather it is located at Chibang for lunch and Isn't consistently open for lunch. 

[quickrate]

7 hours ago, mondello said:

@Virga, I thought robes were always in the closet. Surprised  you had to ask for them. We're not Platinum but I think they always gave robes and slippers?

Carnival quit putting robes in the closet several years ago as so many people didn't use them. Just ask your room steward as they are still available.

Pat

[Virga]

14 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

How did you get your invitation to the private "speakeasy"?

 

We were given the invitations/passwords by one of the bartenders we had made nice with the first night.  It did not feel like they'd have turned anyone away, though, I think knowing it existed would have been enough.  A couple of people rocked awesome flapper outfits, it was great.  Not really my music scene, but it was fun just the same.

 

10 hours ago, mondello said:

@Virga, I thought robes were always in the closet. Surprised  you had to ask for them. We're not Platinum but I think they always gave robes and slippers?

 

I'm having trouble recalling which lines / cabin classes have robes, but they were not in the room on our Sunrise cruise a couple of weeks ago, nor this one.  I've always had success asking for a pair if they weren't already there, though I don't ask for slippers.  I don't know why, but I take a lot of joy lounging around in a robe on cruise ships - I always leave thinking I should pick one up for home.  Maybe this time!

 

7 hours ago, stellarose said:

so I should be prepared for crazy embarkation.  so big ship, lots of food.

 

crowded???

 

have fun.

 

The ship doesn't feel crowded, though there are definitely areas that are bustling.  I'd been initially worried (after the boarding experience) about how on earth it would all work when sailing at full capacity, but I think it'll probably be alright.  I am worried I'm getting a bit spoiled through all this, with minimal waits everywhere.

 

4 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Do they still have the Mongolian wok in at the buffet? What location was the one you called the Mongolian wok? Is it available in the evening for dinner?

 

I think someone already posted, but it's not exactly Mongolian wok - but the Asian lunch menu at Chibang is similar enough to suit me just fine.  It was always one of my favorites!  Unfortunately, it's only lunch - and not every day.  There are enough choices that I don't think I'll miss it on the days it's not available.

 

 

Boy, I hope I figured out the multi quote function correctly!!

 

[Virga]

Today was mostly a mandatory rest day for me, haha, but after a nice nap I feel up for more stupidity tonight =p. Shaq's breakfast was indeed awesome - I'm not usually impressed by fried chicken, but it was great.  That sweet glaze was fantastic!  I'm not sure what food is available right now just yet, but I'm going to go wandering shortly.  

 

The shower pressure seems a little better than I remember on most ships - and it gets plenty hot!  The rest of the bathroom seems a little smaller, but still holds everything I need with room to spare.  I'm glad I bring my own products, I don't think my skin likes theirs, although they do still 'smell like cruise' which we always enjoyed.

 

For some reason, our group chat broke - I think someone in our group checked with guest services but even all of us uninstalling and reinstalling didn't work.  Chats with a single person are still working, so we're still able to communicate, but I'd really been enjoying the group chat and I'm bummed for it to fall so quickly.

 

It rained today, and the only thing I'd maybe wanted to do in Cozumel was snorkel, so I took the opportunity to nap instead of explore.  I think we'll try to get off tomorrow, though, for Costa Maya.  We'll see - I'm kind of liking the idea of returning home well rested.  It's been a rough year!

[Virga]

I just can't get over the bar options that are available here.  Even at bars we don't go to several times a day, the bartenders all remember us.  At the few we've been frequenting over and over, they have been PHENOMENAL.  Like, how on earth does my Alchemy bartender remember which drinks I haven't tried yet?  I don't even totally remember which ones I haven't tried yet!

 

Relatedly, there are too many drinks with liquorice/anise - I'm determined to try everything but there have been a lot of them that I drink entirely too fast (yes, I'm that flavor of dumb) because nope, don't like anise in this one either...

 

Snails tonight, hooray!  

[Virga]

My first 'big' disappointment just occured - they've changed the escargots!  They're no longer scampi style, they're baked in a light bready batter.  It's not that they're bad - the snails themselves were excellent, big and tender - I just vastly preferred the old recipe.  I'll order a less insane quantity of them next time!  Not to worry, they were not wasted 😉

 

I'm going to relax for some before heading back out, I'm still dragging a bit.  My other half saw 80s night on the list, think we'll have to put in an appearance...

[Virga]

After plenty of rest, a nice meal, and plenty of alcohol and red bull, I was back on my game yesterday evening.  Coco was GREAT at the 80s show on the main stage!  I am 100% sold on the way they've put this together - you get to feel like you're sitting front row practically no matter where you sit.  Easy access to bar service, good view, good shows - I definitely see it as an improvement over the enclosed theater. Even when we aren't into what's going on onstage, it's nice to be able to pop through and check out the festivities.

 

We tried again to get to the piano bar, but timed it poorly - right after a comedy show let out, it was standing room only.  No worries - we hadn't spent nearly enough time at Fortune Teller!  Man, I love these craft cocktail bars - and this one in particular have so many really fun presentations.  I'll definitely research what they use for the smoke bubble and see if our little smoker gun can make that happen at home.  All female staff here today - so far all our favorite bartenders onboard have been men, so it was nice to see my fellow ladies rocking it.  

 

We did manage to find our way to the piano bar when things were winding down, about half an hour before he stopped.  We might have to go in early tonight and claim seats, both the entertainer and the crowd were fantastic.  

 

Today was another slow day - too hot to do much exploring ashore, and we wanted to save most of our fifteen for this evening, haha.  Mostly just some good food and relaxation.  Pool areas were pretty packed, but Serenity wasn't too bad - I'm just not cut out for this heat!  Once again, my wallet rejoiced and my addictive nature lamented the casino being closed on port days.  I'd found a nickel triple play video poker machine (predictably terrible paytables) and would definitely sit myself there entirely too often if we didn't have friends sailing with us.  Next time, perhaps!

 

Dinner menu didn't seem particularly attractive to any of us tonight, so we're planning on trying out the Italian place. Maybe a comedy show tonight?  Seems unlikely that I'll be back to pay this evening, but feel free to ask questions, I like the excuse to explore and look into things.  We're all still very impressed at nearly every turn!  

[Cooldoggie]

On 10/3/2021 at 10:57 PM, Virga said:

The adventure continues!  

 

The featured song of the day is brought to you by the Turnpike Troubadours - "I'm too old to be this dumb!"

 

 

I sent hubs to get some coffee and he returned with a light breakfast and our first two drinks - he'd forgotten my card and they still let him get mine.  We enjoyed them on the balcony in the robes our steward kindly brought us yesterday.   Slightly cloudy, with the sun on the port side of the ship - perfect for my ghostly skin!   

 

Once I'd convinced myself I could face other humans, we ventured out.  We found our Brass Magnolia bartender at the tiki bar, got a few drinks, and left to explore the ship.

 

Man, this ship is enormous!  I was pretty intimidated yesterday, not sure how I felt about the sheer size of it, but now that I have my bearings, I'm sold.  I love the themed neighborhoods - they aren't in your face Disney/Universal style, but they break up the enormity very well.  

 

We had what I've been calling Mongolian-Wok-Lite for lunch.  I was disappointed that Chibang doesn't take the beautiful opportunity to serve fusion dishes, and I don't think we'll bother to do dinner there, but we'll see.  Lunch was great, though - that mix of all three sauces is just as good as I remember!  We got the rice noodles, but a nearby table got the wide noodles and they looked great as well.  It took longer than it should have, but we still had drinks we'd brought in from elsewhere so we didn't mind the wait.  We'll do it again for sure, but might bring two drinks, lol.

 

 

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

Loving your posts. Counting down the days until our turn in November. What is the speakeasy you mention? How fun!

[MrsRissB]

On 10/3/2021 at 7:57 PM, Virga said:

A little more robe time on the balcony, a nap, and we did a little more exploring and drinking.  I better post now, we finished dinner but we're at the speakeasy and I'm sure to lose this in the haze.

 

Great review so far. What's the speakeasy? I haven't seen that anywhere on the ship.

[stellarose]

there is a speakeasy?????

[Virga]

I'm chilling back at the Brass Magnolia once again - I can't fathom why there are usually seats available at the bar here, but I am grateful.  Figure I'll detail all the delicious today!

 

I missed Emeril's again this morning, I've been meaning to stop through for shrimp and grits.  I'm silly and didn't realize it stopped at 930a, so I rolled up after they were done with breakfast.  No worries, still have three mornings to go - I'm bound to be conscious before 930a one of them, right?  Instead I decided to content myself with a coffee and held out for lunch.

 

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'd been pretty concerned about the buffet options before sailing.  We usually prefer seated dining, and failing that, we tend to choose the alternative complimentary dining, but I do like to be able to just choose the things that really appeal to me, knowing I can always find something at the buffet.  A few reviews had me scared - not just the more limited selection that I expected due to lower capacity and additional alternative options, but precious little choice and let quality to boot.  Sunrise last month convinced me that I didn't have much to worry about, but they did even better here, especially with the permanent schwarma station!  A few MDR options, a few standards/classics, and a few other rotating dishes, alongside a salad bar and dessert station - plenty good for me.  I do miss the excellent cheese / meat selections, but I'd have to be a pretty picky soul to go hungry on this ship. 

 

Today I made a small plate, but our main was the Nashville Hot Chicken at Shaq's bokbok - excellent with dark meat, but not nearly spicy enough.  We've been known to bring our own hot sauce on trips before - tobasco is not my idea of a good hot sauce - and I did miss it today.  Spice level aside, they really do a great job with fried chicken.  Our sailing companions had their first experience with Guy's burgers and could not stop raving about it.  We enjoyed plenty of burgers on the Sunrise, so I've been trying all the stuff we won't find (or would normally have to pay for) on other ships.

 

More to come, we aren't even quite halfway home yet!

 

Edit: the speakeasy isn't a dedicated venue, it's just a themed party early one evening - nothing special, really, but if you enjoy theming or like an excuse to wear period clothes, you'll enjoy it.  I'm getting the impression I probably wasn't supposed to mention it, because it was not noted in the fun times.  If it's something you really want to check out, find a seated bar you enjoy the first night, be polite and friendly, tip as though you believe the Cheers gratuity isn't enough (at fifteen drinks, $9 a day is not nearly enough in our minds) and I feel pretty certain you'll find your way there.  It made for excellent people watching, if nothing else!

[SNJCruisers]

Since the OP was skirting the issue and left bread crumbs, I'll give you the whole loaf.  The Speakeasy is  done once per cruise on the Mardi Gras only and you need an invitation to gain admittance.  Certain bartenders have a limited number of business cards that they give out that tell you where and when it will happen and there may even be a code word as well to gain entrance, don't know.  Saw a brief video clip on a YouTube review and it looked pretty cool, with prohibition style costumes being the norm.

Hopefully on one of my four 2022 Mardi Gras sailings, I will get to experience it.